Acts 8:9

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

But {G1161} there was a certain {G5100} man {G435}, called {G3686} Simon {G4613}, which beforetime {G4391} in {G1722} the same city {G4172} used sorcery {G3096}, and {G2532} bewitched {G1839} the people {G1484} of Samaria {G4540}, giving out {G3004} that himself {G1438} was {G1511} some {G5100} great one {G3173}:

But there was a man named Shimโ€˜on in the city who for some time had been practicing magic and astonishing the nation of Shomron, claiming to be somebody great.

Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,

But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Commentary

Acts 8:9 introduces us to Simon, a significant figure in the early spread of the Gospel to Samaria. Before the arrival of Philip the evangelist, Simon had established himself as a powerful and influential personality in the city, captivating its inhabitants through his practice of sorcery.

Context

This verse is set in the broader narrative of the early church's expansion. Following intense persecution in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1), believers were scattered, leading Philip to preach the Gospel in Samaria. This region, historically at odds with the Jews, was ripe for a spiritual awakening. Before Philip's genuine miracles and powerful preaching captivated the city, the people of Samaria were under the spell of Simon, a man who commanded their attention and respect through his mystical arts.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Counterfeit Power: Simon represents a stark contrast to the authentic power of God demonstrated through Philip. His sorcery was a human-driven attempt to mimic divine authority, leading people astray.
  • Self-Exaltation: The phrase "giving out that himself was some great one" highlights Simon's pride and desire for personal glory. He sought to elevate himself above others, contrasting sharply with the humility of Christ and His apostles.
  • Spiritual Blindness: The people of Samaria were "bewitched," indicating a state of being utterly captivated and deceived by Simon's practices. This underscores their spiritual vulnerability and readiness for genuine truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sorcery" (Greek: mageia or related to magos): The term from which we get "magus" or "magic." It refers to occult practices, fortune-telling, and various forms of enchantment. Simon is historically known as Simon Magus. This was not merely trickery but involvement with spiritual forces contrary to God.
  • "Bewitched" (Greek: existฤ“mi): This word literally means "to stand out of oneself" or "to be out of one's mind." It conveys a sense of profound astonishment, amazement, or being utterly captivated to the point of being beside oneself. The people were completely enthralled and influenced by Simon's displays.
  • "Great one" (Greek: megas): Simon's claim to be "some great one" suggests he presented himself as a divine figure, perhaps an emissary from God, or even a manifestation of God himself, a common claim among Gnostic figures in later traditions associated with Simon.

Connections and Significance

Simon's story continues throughout Acts 8. He initially "believes" and is baptized after witnessing Philip's powerful ministry (Acts 8:13). However, his true motives are revealed when he attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John (Acts 8:18-19), leading to Peter's sharp rebuke (Acts 8:20-23). This incident gives rise to the term "simony," referring to the buying or selling of spiritual offices or sacred things.

Practical Application

  • Discerning Truth: This verse serves as a timeless warning against deception and the allure of counterfeit spiritual power. Believers must always test spirits and teachings against the truth of God's Word (1 John 4:1).
  • Humility vs. Self-Exaltation: Simon's desire for personal recognition stands in stark contrast to the Kingdom principle of humility. True spiritual power comes from God and is used for His glory, not our own.
  • The Draw of the Miraculous: People are often drawn to outward displays of power. This passage reminds us that genuine faith is rooted in Christ, not merely in signs and wonders, especially those that originate from sources other than God.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 13:6

    And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name [was] Barjesus:

  • Acts 5:36

    For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

  • John 7:18

    He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

  • Exodus 8:18

    And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

  • Exodus 8:19

    Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Acts 19:18

    And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

  • Acts 19:20

    So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
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